ROBERT (BOB) COX
March 30, 1945 – August 11, 2018

Mr. Robert (Bob) William Cox, age 78 years, passed away peacefully in Atikokan General Hospital on Saturday, August 11, 2018, in the arms of the woman he loved for 40 years.

Bob was born on March 30, 1940 in St. Boniface, Manitoba. In 1945, his parents, Fred and Amy, moved the family to Atikokan for a couple years and then to Fort Frances. In 1950, they returned to Atikokan, where they settled down and raised their family.

At the age of 18, Bob joined the Armed Forces, completing a tour in Germany. After he become a civilian, he went to work in England for awhile with a good friend. Once back in Canada, Bob worked in the mine at Thompson, Manitoba. He spent some time travelling the countryside with friends before ending up back in Atikokan, where he went to work for the Sapawe Mill. Bob was very proud of the sidewalk he helped build at Tip Top Lodge. He married his first wife in 1963 and during 15 years together, they raised three boys Fred, Dan and Michael. Bob gained his main employment at that time with Steep Rock Iron Mines, where he eventually became a Foreman and ran the control panel in the pellet plant. In 1978, Bob took a new wife and they had two children, Cyndel and Lawrence. When the mines closed, Bob went to PlusWood for employment and then onto work Security for Ontario Hydro during the construction if the power plant. Bob later was hired on as a Foreman in the coal yard during production. He retired from Ontario Hydro in 2005 at the age of 65.

Bobby became very health conscious before it was a popular thing to do. He had a vast amount of knowledge on vitamins and minerals and 3 times a week, you hear his grunts and groans from the basement as he lifted free weights. Bob enjoyed old timer hockey and he played defense. It was a non-contact sport, but he did spend time in the penalty box. In summer, you would find him on his 10-speed riding circles around guys half of his age. Bob also loved playing baseball. He had a great glove, scooping the ball on first base and was known as “motor mouth” as he badgered the batter into a swing and a miss.

Bob became a devoted Mason in 1984. He was a third generation Mason and was very honoured to be a part of the swearing in ceremony for his son Daniel into the Grand Lodge of Masonry in Alberta. Bob also became a Member of the Shrine in Winnipeg in 1985.

Bob will be remembered for being a straight shooter. You always knew where you stood with him. He had the ability to captivate the attention of a whole room, but also be a great listener. Bob's hug hugs, warm smile and loud wink made you feel like a million bucks. He had an incredible memory, a sharp humour and wit. Bob was a mentor to many, whether it be in the Masonic Hall, in the work place or just in a friendly conversation. Many a listener is still entertained with the adventures of Bobby Cox. He was known to be a righteous man with a dynamic personality, undying loyalty and dedication to his family and friends. Bob is a man that will be missed by many and always remembered.

Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Hala-Dee Chumway; children Fred, Dan, Michael, Cyndel and Lawrence; grandchildren Samantha, Dallas, Brandon, Cathrine and Christopher as well as his great-grandchildren Samantha and James. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Bryk and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was predeceased by his father Fred and mother Amy; sister Valma and grandson Hayden.

Funeral Services and a Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 1:00pm in the Atikokan Legion. Interment will take place at a later date in Little Falls Cemetery. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Bob to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 332 North May Street, Thunder Bay.